Genius Holiday Party Idea: Bring Your Own Donations

I love holiday parties. There's something about free-flowing eggnog, lights artfully strung everywhere and caroling that just warms my heart. But when I received the evite for the shin dig I'm attending tonight, my love for the seasonal festivities grew even more.

The host of tonight's soiree, our friend Jason, has asked his party guests to bring a new, unwrapped toy to be donated the Spark of Love Toy Drive. Spark of Love is organized by Southern California fire departments; the donated items are distributed to underprivileged children and teens in local communities.

Much as I love Secret Santa and white elephant gift exchanges at holiday parties, I'm absolutely enamored with this generous idea. It's really what the holiday season is all about, don't you think?

Are you going to any holiday parties in the next few weeks? Maybe you're hosting a holiday party? What do you think of this bring your own donations idea? Have you been to a party like this before?